3 Ways To Reduce Heating Costs And The Need For Heater Repairs

Posted on: 30 December 2015

If you are like most homeowners you know how inconvenient and costly heater repairs can be, especially in the middle of winter when you rely on the use of your heater the most. Luckily, you can do more than cross your fingers and hope for the best when it comes to avoiding the need for heater repairs – it's all about minimizing wear and tear so your heating system is not overworked and therefore exposed to the chance of a breakdown. Here are three effective ways to minimize the need for heater repairs and reduce heating costs while you're at it:

Plan Regular Maintenance

Yearly inspections of your heating system will ensure that small problems are addressed before they become too serious or costly, but it's important to do a little maintenance legwork yourself throughout the year. Cleaning your heating system's filters keeps air flow optimized so your system isn't working harder than it has to when in use. To clean the filters simply remove them and wipe them down with a clean damp cloth. If any rips or holes are found, replace the filters with a compatible variety found at your local home improvement store.

Taking the time to dissolve water heater sediment is another effective maintenance task that optimizes heater efficiency and cost effectiveness. To do this, turn the cold water and gas lines off, attach a hose to the water heater's drain, and then let all of the water drain from the tank. Then close the drain and pour your dissolving product of choice along with clean water into the tank and let it sit according to the directions provided with your dissolving solution. You can then drain the tank again and pour clean water through it to rinse its interior. Then refill the tank and turn your water and gas lines back on for regular use.

Plant a Few Deciduous Trees

Planting trees in the yard does more than increase curb appeal, especially if deciduous options are your trees of choice. Deciduous trees are full of large lush leaves during summer months that will naturally keep your home cool during the summer months, and they lose their leaves in the winter so the sun can naturally warm things up to reduce wear and tear on your heating system. In the end, this will help you avoid the need for expensive heating repairs as the years pass. Consider one or more of these interesting options:

  • White Birch
  • Lombardy Poplar
  • Sourwood
  • Mancana Ash
  • American Basswood
  • Magnolia
  • Hickory

Planting a few new trees in your yard will improve the privacy throughout your property and can even increase your overall property value by up to 20 percent, which can come in handy if you decide to sell or refinance in the future.

Dress Your Windows Up

Dressing your windows up a little bit should noticeably improve indoor temperature control so your air conditioning and heating systems don't have to work overtime when it is especially warm or chilly outside. Installing thermal window film is designed to prevent some of the harmful UV rays from entering the home, reducing the chance of flooring, furniture, and artwork damage.  

It's also important to seal your window frames with caulking or spray foam insulation. This will improve heater function and reduce wear and tear as well as heating costs. You should also find that well-sealed windows reduce outside noise pollution, minimize the infiltration of pollen and dust, and provide better control of humidity conditions indoors.

These tips and tricks should be easy and affordable to implement, yet you can expect to have years of convenience and cost savings to enjoy as time goes on. For more information, contact a business such as A Bailey Plumbing.

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